In WHA, BPOM highlights collaboration to foster innovation and confidence in vaccines
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) emphasised the need to build collaboration, strengthen science-based regulatory systems, and harmonise regulation, in order to accelerate development while boosting confidence in vaccines, at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA).
‘A robust regulatory system is a strategic element for strengthening confidence while accelerating the development and production of vaccines, particularly in Global South countries,’ said BPOM head Taruna Ikrar in Jakarta on Thursday.
He spoke during the panel session ‘Building Resilient Vaccine Ecosystems’ at the WHA. According to him, collaboration and innovation must be further strengthened to support a more resilient health system in the future. The spirit of collaboration and innovation will lead Global South countries to stronger health resilience and improved public health outcomes.
‘In this evolving landscape, collaboration is no longer a choice but a necessity,’ he said.
In the WHO Director-General’s Address session on Tuesday (19 May), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus outlined several WHO achievements over the past 12 months. One of these was the designation of five additional countries as WHO-Listed Authorities (WLA).
‘To accelerate prequalification and procurement processes, we have designated regulatory authorities in the following five countries as WHO-Listed Authorities: Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and the United Kingdom,’ Tedros said.
Taruna said the statement further reinforces international recognition of Indonesia’s regulatory system’s capacity to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of health products in line with global standards.
‘This event serves as a strategic forum for global health leaders, regulators, international organisations, vaccine manufacturers, and development partners to advance the strengthening of local and regional production capacity to support global health security,’ Taruna said.
The side-event also featured several leading global health figures, including the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia; the Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport; the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Nigeria; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); the CEO of Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance); and a number of other leaders of international health organisations.